Uzbekistan marks World Antibiotic Awareness Week

This year, Uzbekistan marked World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) (13–19 November 2017) with two major events in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Press conference to highlight the importance of coordinated efforts

A national press conference was called on 15 November to highlight the importance of coordinated efforts in the development and implementation of an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) national action plan. This multisector event brought together representatives from the health, education, agriculture and veterinary sectors, as well as experts from WHO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to discuss Uzbekistan’s “One health” approach to combating the challenges of AMR.

Friendly competition to underscore the severity of the issue

Tashkent Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education hosted a friendly competition between 3 medical schools on 17 November. Teams of undergraduate and postgraduate students made a presentation to experts in the field. They presented their knowledge of AMR, as well as the importance of prudent antibiotic use and effective infection prevention. Each team used different and inspiring approaches to deliver the key messages to the audience. Young and talented people expressed their views on the severity of the issue and their desire to make changes for the better within Uzbekistan.